James - Bexley Targeted
James*, a 15-year-old male from Sidcup started attending CACT's Bexley Targeted programme in October. Since he joined the programme, he has grown in confidence and become engaged in exercise through sport.
Prior to his time with CACT mentors, the young person was suffering with anxiety and was worried that bad things would happen to him. His anxiety is due to a number of different personal circumstances, causing him to subsequently have low confidence.
CACT's Bexley Targeted programme involved one-to-one mentoring with a CACT mentor who ran football sessions to help him get active and improve his mental health. As the sessions went on, the young person grew in confidence and spoke about his feelings more frequently.
James* now feels less worried as he knows he has someone to speak to and get support from.
Speaking about his progression since starting the mentoring and programme, the young person said:
"CACT has been a huge help to me. They have helped me stay active which has helped me feel better within myself."
Young people on CACT's targeted programme have the opportunity to go on outdoor residential trips to help boost confidence and get to know other people on the programme.
Speaking about the Bexley targeted programme, Kim Dixson, CACT's London Social Inclusion Coordinator, said:
"We mentor young people in Bexley differently, using the power of sport to engage them."
*Used to protect identity of young person.